Tools of the Trade

notebook and pencil

Make sure to record your finds.

maps

Maps of the area will help you accurately record where a fossil was found (and keep you on the right track). The Official Geology Map of Nova Scotia is a good choice.

magnifying glass

Some fossils are very small. In order to get a closer look at them, bring along a magnifying glass.

rock hammer and/or rock chisel

A rock hammer, also called a geologist's hammer, is very useful for splitting open loose rocks and trimming away excess rock from a specimen. Do not use it to chip fossils out of cliff sides or bedrock, as this is illegal. Read the Special Places Protection Act for more information. A rock chisel allows for more precise trimming and splitting of rocks. It is a good idea to practice with a rock hammer and chisel before attempting to trim a specimen. Remember: light taps give you more control and less chance of chopping off an important part of the fossil. Always hammer and chisel in a direction away from your body.

small, comfortable knapsack

All of your tools will fit into a small knapsack for easy transport, leaving your hands free.

What To Do If You Find a Fossil

Do not collect too many specimens; it is a long walk home. If you are with a class or group, consider taking a few specimens for a group collection instead of each person collecting their own. Limit yourself to one or two good specimens, rather than keeping everything that catches your eye.

Of course, finding a good fossil is only the first step. It is important to record information about the specimen you collect in order for it to be of interest to you and others after the field trip is forgotten. Where did you find it? What do you think it is? In which rock formation was it found? (The Official Geology Map of Nova Scotia can help with this.) Include the date and any other details you think might be helpful.

Wrap the specimen in a piece of newspaper for protection. At home, gently clean it by brushing away loose dirt and, if you like, carefully trim away any excess rock.

Keeping Track

Keep your collection information together in a notebook. Give each specimen its own number to identify it in your notes or labels. It is safest to number the specimen itself, not the box or egg-carton in which it is stored. Collections have been knocked over!

One method of labelling is to paint a white spot on the back of the specimen (do not cover up any interesting spots) and number it with waterproof ink, then varnish over this. An easier method is to write a small number on paper, cut it out and glue it to the specimen with ordinary white glue. Cover the entire label with a smear of glue, including the top and the edges. The white glue will become transparent when it dries and the number will not scratch off. Even better, dilute the white glue with water before applying. It will still seal the label but won't be so thick.

Do not throw away a fossil if you can't identify it right away. Often the very last bit of information you learn about a specimen is its name. Send or bring the fossil and information to the Nova Scotia Museum of Natural History in Halifax or the Fundy Geological Museum in Parrsboro. Museum staff will help you find information about the specimen and the site.